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Athens Blog

Meet the Owner: Cullen O'Steen of Cullen & Co. Interior Design!

We at guide2athens had the absolute pleasure of getting to speak with Cullen O’Steen of the remarkable Cullen & Co. Interior Design . A graduate of the University of Georgia’s prestigious Lamar Dodd School of Art, Cullen believes that “all interiors are a reflection of their owner’s values, personality, and soul.” Adhering to this mantra, Cullen & Co. Interior Design focuses on creating beautiful interiors that represent the client and cater to their needs. Wanting to find out a little more about this interior design guru, we asked Cullen some questions – see her answers below.

Where do you find your inspiration?
-Everywhere! Interesting palettes in paintings, colors and shades in nature, and in each unique vision of my clients.

What are your favorite shops to discover “unique finds” in Athens?
-Agora, Athens Interiors Market, and Habitat for Humanity

Complete Home Makeover. Which room should I start with?
-The one that makes you sad! All rooms in your house should make you happy if they are a true reflection of you.

What home furnishing items are important to invest in?
-Good upholstered furniture is a must. It certainly is not worth skimping on and then having to re-purchase in only a couple of years.
-Great lampshades are another item that can spruce up your home. Get rid of the tattered, yellowed ones and make sure you’ve got one that is the perfect fit for your fixture and harp size.
-Artwork you LOVE!
-Chandeliers! Think of them as “jewelry” for your house – it makes an outfit!
-Good sheet and reindeer moss in your planters goes a long way!

Be thrifty when it comes to this item:
-“Clutter” on kitchen counters.

What can be found on your bedside table?
-Besides design magazines and art & architecture books, I have a beautiful “mother and child” sculpture my brother gave me when my son was born that I absolutely love. I also have an abundance of pictures of my family, of course!

What are three things that bring you joy?
-My family, antique markets and happy clients!

What is a quote you do your best to live by?
-“Make your own sunshine!”